Although it rhymes, a fender bender is anything but rhythmic. There’s usually thuds and bumps involved followed by scratches and dents. While the damage isn’t severe, there are still important steps you should take after getting into a fender bender or minor collision.
We sat down with members from our claims team to answer some questions about handling the aftermath of a fender bender.
So, you were involved in a fender bender. Now what?
You should do several things after an accident, even if it’s just a fender bender.
1. Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
When you’re in a safe location, ensure no one involved in the accident is hurt. The physical damage to your car might be minimal, but it’s still a good idea to check for injuries. If you were driving alone, evaluate how you feel. If you had passengers, make sure they are aware of the possibility of minor injuries.
2. Exchange information with the other driver(s).
Be sure to exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Name of their insurance company
- License plate number
It is also a good idea to take pictures of the accident to document the damage to the vehicles. Injuries may take some time to show up, and certain types of vehicle damage aren’t visible right away. There’s a chance the fender bender could actually be more severe than you thought. Having a record of the accident can help the insurance companies sort out the details and determine who is responsible for paying any claims that are filed.
3. Call the police and your insurance company.
Call the police to report the accident so there’s an official record of the incident. If you need to file a claim, contact your independent agent. During that conversation, provide all information related to the accident such as the date, time, weather conditions, passengers in both vehicles, airbag deployment and points of impact of involved vehicles and any injuries.
We get it. Accidents happen. It’s a risk everyone takes when driving.
That’s why it’s a good idea to be proactive before an accident occurs and review your policy with an independent agent. Below are some coverages to consider that could be helpful in the event of an accident, big or small.
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Rental coverage
- Diminished Value coverage
Another proactive measure you can take before an accident occurs is reviewing and practicing safe driving habits. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re behind the wheel:
- Keep your distance.
- Always ensure there is enough space between your car and the car in front of you so you can stop safely. Increase the distance when weather conditions are bad.
- Drive strategically
- Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes.
- Communicate.
- Clearly communicate with other drivers by utilizing turn signals and yield the right of way when needed.
- Don’t drive too fast.
- Speeding is dangerous, even if there is no one else around you.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- It’s always a good idea to wear your seatbelt. Just because you are practicing safe driving skills doesn’t guarantee everyone around you is also. Properly wearing your seatbelt is a great habit to form.
Although they usually involve minimal damage, it can still be confusing to navigate the steps to take after a fender bender occurs. Just because it has a light-hearted name, doesn’t make it any more pleasant to handle, but with the help of our claims teams you are now in the know of what to do in case you find yourself in a fender bender or minor collision.
